charltonsect
08-18-2008, 08:56 AM
My name is Chris Charlton, and I’m a 30-year-old Type 1 Diabetic living in Cincinnati, Ohio. I work full-time as an IT Consultant, and spend my spare time writing, recording and performing with an Alternative Rock band called “The Host”. We just finished some dates on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour, and have been fortunate enough to experience some great success.
We were nominees for Best Hard Rock Band at the 2007 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards for our debut EP, "Receive". I was diagnosed with Diabetes in August of 2007 while in the studio recording our follow-up EP, “Transmit”, which was released in May of this year. (Proceeds from the release show were donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.)
The months leading up to my diagnosis were incredibly damaging to my mental and physical health. I was experiencing frequent and drastic mood swings, depression and anxiety; all brought on by the highs and lows of my blood sugar levels. I had no idea that the symptoms I was experiencing were associated with Diabetes, and it was only through a series of random events that I was eventually diagnosed. Because the symptoms I had experienced were somewhat uncommon, my Diabetes went untreated for an extended period of time, which led to complications in my recovery. That meant time away from work and canceling all of our scheduled shows in the Fall of 2007. With the help of my doctor, encouragement from family and friends, and my own determination, I was eventually able to resume all of my normal activities, including performing on stage.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Walk for a Cure” at King’s Island. I was truly moved to see so many people working toward a common goal and felt a great sense of pride to take part in the event. To see so many children who will spend their lives dealing with the complications of a disease that I've only dealt with for a few months honestly touched my heart.
I've been collecting donations online and in a donation box at our merchandise stand at all of our shows and so far we've collected nearly $800 to sponsor The Host Walk Team for the 2008 JDRF “Walk for a Cure”, taking place September 6th, at King’s Island.
I feel a great sense of responsibility to get my story out there so people understand that, while Diabetes is difficult to manage, it doesn’t have to keep you from reaching your goals and chasing your dreams. I was determined to get back on my feet after my diagnosis and now I’m determined to get the word out to anyone who will listen, and get them involved and donating.
This forum is an excellent resource and I welcome any and all questions regarding my issues, etc.
Thank you,
Chris Charlton
***Please check out The Host MySpace page***
http://myspace.com/thehostband
You can donate to the JDRF Host Walk Team via the link on the left side of the page (or in my signature below), check out music, videos, etc.
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT KINGS ISLAND ON SEPT. 6th!! The Host and our fans will be there in full support!! :)
We were nominees for Best Hard Rock Band at the 2007 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards for our debut EP, "Receive". I was diagnosed with Diabetes in August of 2007 while in the studio recording our follow-up EP, “Transmit”, which was released in May of this year. (Proceeds from the release show were donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.)
The months leading up to my diagnosis were incredibly damaging to my mental and physical health. I was experiencing frequent and drastic mood swings, depression and anxiety; all brought on by the highs and lows of my blood sugar levels. I had no idea that the symptoms I was experiencing were associated with Diabetes, and it was only through a series of random events that I was eventually diagnosed. Because the symptoms I had experienced were somewhat uncommon, my Diabetes went untreated for an extended period of time, which led to complications in my recovery. That meant time away from work and canceling all of our scheduled shows in the Fall of 2007. With the help of my doctor, encouragement from family and friends, and my own determination, I was eventually able to resume all of my normal activities, including performing on stage.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Walk for a Cure” at King’s Island. I was truly moved to see so many people working toward a common goal and felt a great sense of pride to take part in the event. To see so many children who will spend their lives dealing with the complications of a disease that I've only dealt with for a few months honestly touched my heart.
I've been collecting donations online and in a donation box at our merchandise stand at all of our shows and so far we've collected nearly $800 to sponsor The Host Walk Team for the 2008 JDRF “Walk for a Cure”, taking place September 6th, at King’s Island.
I feel a great sense of responsibility to get my story out there so people understand that, while Diabetes is difficult to manage, it doesn’t have to keep you from reaching your goals and chasing your dreams. I was determined to get back on my feet after my diagnosis and now I’m determined to get the word out to anyone who will listen, and get them involved and donating.
This forum is an excellent resource and I welcome any and all questions regarding my issues, etc.
Thank you,
Chris Charlton
***Please check out The Host MySpace page***
http://myspace.com/thehostband
You can donate to the JDRF Host Walk Team via the link on the left side of the page (or in my signature below), check out music, videos, etc.
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT KINGS ISLAND ON SEPT. 6th!! The Host and our fans will be there in full support!! :)